Are you perplexed about whether you should go with vinyl or aluminum gutters for your roof? That is a common dilemma with most homeowners because choosing the right gutter is not just about durability but also looks, cost, functionality and so much more. The gutters play a very important role in keeping your home safe from erosion, as well as keeping your facade clean and your structure dry. They prevent rotting, molding, and leaks.
Gutters come in a variety of materials, but vinyl and aluminum gutters are two of the best ones, that have many similarities when it comes to performance.
Aluminum gutters are made of a lightweight metal that can be bent and shaped to achieve a great surface, which allows water to flow and be redirected to the downspout without any leaks. The same goes for vinyl gutters, but the difference is that vinyl gutters are made of PVC, therefore plastic.
The main difference between these two gutters is installation. Vinyl gutters come in pieces and are installed by being snapped together. They take more time to be put in place and it is also sometimes harder to find a professional contractor to install vinyl gutters.
Aluminum gutters on the other hand have fewer seams and are easier and faster to install. In addition, aluminum gutters are more resistant to strong weather conditions, and therefore more durable than vinyl utters. They can however crack under heavy snow or rain, while vinyl gutters do not crack, but do get detached when exposed to heavy rains for a long period.
One major issue with aluminum gutters is rust, especially in coastal homes where the gutters are exposed to salt water and tropical rains. Vinyl gutters do not rust but can become less durable in very cold climates.
Both options however have a lifespan of 20 years with the right maintenance conducted. In most cases however vinyl gutters get damaged before the 20-year mark and need replacement even as early as 10 years after installation.
Last but not least, the cost is a major factor in determining whether you want vinyl or aluminum gutters for your home. All in all, vinyl gutters are less expensive but need more frequent replacements so, in the long run, you end up spending the same amount of money for both vinyl and aluminum gutters. Therefore, if you are looking for quality over anything, the best choice is an aluminum gutter system. Call us at RH Renovation NYC for more information on gutters!
